September 30, 2005--On the second evening following the indictment of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a growing number of Americans believe the charges against the powerful Republican are politically motivated.
On Wednesday night, 43% said the charges were based upon the facts involved while 31% said they were politically motivated.
On Thursday, following a full day of news coverage, 37% said the charges were based upon the facts while 39% said they were politically motivated.
The rest of the data changed little from night to night. Seventeen percent (17%) had a favorable opinion of DeLay on both nights. Overall, 38% had an unfavorable opinion.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of Americans say that DeLay is about as ethical as most politicians. Seven percent (7%) say he is more ethical than most, 20% say less ethical. Those numbers are similar to perceptions of Bill Clinton in the late 1990s.
"When it comes to ethics violations, the public continues to grade politicians on a curve," noted Scott Rasmussen, President of Rasmussen Reports. "Sadly, allegations of misconduct and indictments are perceived as the norm for elected officials."
Fifty-eight percent (58%) of Americans correctly identified DeLay as a Republican while 36% were unsure of his party affiliation.
Fifty percent (50%) say they are following the DeLay story somewhat or very closely. |